Cast lead bullets have been taking game for centuries now, without any need for hollow points, cool as those are. Unjacketed or exposed tip lead bullets deform and mushroom quite well -- see the proliferation of Winchester Silvertips and Remington Core-Lokt, etc, etc, styles. No hollow point on that exposed lead tip and a jacket to actually LIMIT expansion, not promote it.

My concern would be with leading if you drive those down you barrel at rifle velocities, especially with the concern of putting that lead residue into the gas system. That's what jacketed bullets really do for you -- keep lead out of your bore and gas port.

I've had good success with Sierra (and other) bullets intended for the .303 British as they're .311". Never shot them at game, but I've had surprising accuracy up at the 150 gr. level, and even with 180s!

blarby

December 26, 2012, 09:10 AM

My concern would be with leading if you drive those down you barrel at rifle velocities, especially with the concern of putting that lead residue into the gas system. That's what jacketed bullets really do for you -- keep lead out of your bore and gas port.

A very worthy point !

We here at THR should be able to come up with a gas port filter or something :) We're the best.... we need to get on this !

cpileri

December 26, 2012, 09:29 AM

Dear Sam 1911,
Can you share the load data and Cartridge OAL you used w the 180gr bullets in the 7.62x39? That would be a nice addition to the Yugo SKS versatility.
Many thanks, and Happy new Year!
C-

Sam1911

December 26, 2012, 09:41 AM

I will try and dig out that info. I think I posted it once before. Some of my old reload info is in a mild state of discombobulation at the moment, but I'll try.

Sam1911

December 26, 2012, 09:54 AM

Ok...found my old boxes. DISCLAIMER: These are simply rounds I made once. No guarantees of safety or suitability apply at all. In fact, don't use these if you can't find supporting documentation from a reputable loading guide.

Again, find verification of these elsewhere before you make these or use them yourself.

cpileri

December 26, 2012, 10:47 AM

I sure will. Thanks though, as i have been looking for a heavier load for the SKS for some time.
C-

bhhacker

December 26, 2012, 03:24 PM

Unfortunately I cannot buy any ammo as I live in Alaska and no one wants to deal with the hazmat stuff.

I have to "roll my own" or pay through the nose for ammo.

Sam- You used a .321 for shooting through an sks? I have heard of .308-.312 but not that far over.

Sam1911

December 26, 2012, 06:17 PM

Oh good heavens! No, no...meant to type 0.312". I'll go edit.

bhhacker

December 27, 2012, 12:49 PM

Does anyone know what diameter bullet is used most with the 7.62x39 factory ammo?

I have heard that the .308 is too small and that i will probably want .311 to .312 but i havent slugged out the barrel and honestly probably wont go that route.

I just want bullets that are the same diameter as Tula ammo because that seems to shoot very well out of my yugo.

Just used my calipers to measure the diameter of tula ammo and it apppears to be .310 Does anyone else get anything different?

Navy_Guns

December 27, 2012, 01:02 PM

Good thread - I have been looking for this info, have some reloadable Winchester FMJ that I may pull the bullets from. Nice thing about the Yugo is I can turn off the gas system and cycle the bolt manually to make sure I don't lose the cases.

Sam1911

December 27, 2012, 01:09 PM

All of the "foreign" stuff is going to be .311" or so (+/- 0.001"), measured at the driving band area. I think some of the US-made stuff might use .308" bullets, but there seems to be very little difference when fired.

I stick with 0.312" bullets for the SKS and AKM.

Sam1911

December 27, 2012, 01:09 PM

All of the "foreign" stuff is going to be .311" or so (+/- 0.001"), measured at the driving band area. I think some of the US-made stuff might use .308" bullets, but there seems to be very little difference when fired.

I stick with 0.312" bullets for the SKS and AKM.

bhhacker

December 27, 2012, 03:33 PM

I have some 150 grain hornady softpoints in .308 that i might try to see how they shoot.

I have them left over from when i loaded 30-30.

I bet the 135 grainer flat nose cast bullets from missouri bullet co would be a fun round to shoot or hunt game with.

I think i may order some of those too

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